Question & Answer

Q: What causes hives?

Hives is a common skin eruption caused by a hypersensitivity reaction to something a person has been exposed to. It may be caused by foods, such as tomatoes, seafood, or artificial sweeteners, or any number of other things. Penicillin is the most common cause of hives. Physicians are not often able to determine the cause of hives unless it is obvious to the patient.

Q: Why do paper cuts hurt so much, and what can I do to treat them?

A: For the small wounds that they usually are, paper cuts can be particularly painful, likely related to several factors. First, paper cuts most commonly occur on the hands and fingers, where the densely packed nerves that give us fine tactile sensations also transmit pain signals from the outer layer of skin (the epidermis). So, in short, paper cuts can directly damage the nerves, causing pain.

Q: Are there alternatives to Botox for effectively treating my frown lines? 

A: Well that’s a great question, but the answer may be “yes and no” – let me give a little background. After thousands of repetitive motions, muscle contractions, like frowning, wear deep grooves in the skin. One practical anti-aging strategy is to find ways to lessen the impact of facial expression on our faces. That’s where Botox® Cosmetic often comes in.

Q: I’ve heard that baths with diluted bleach can successfully treat kids with eczema. Is this true?

A: Common household bleach (sodium hypochlorite) is best known as the product that “makes whites whiter,” but diluted bleach has also been used as a dental antiseptic and, in certain forms, as a wound disinfectant. Given the common perception of bleach as an irritant, one would think that bathing in it would be harmful, but clinical trials have actually proven this treatment to be very effective.

Q: Is there a difference between sunscreen and sun block?

A: As summer approaches, we stock up on sun-protective gear. A walk down the “seasonal” aisle at your local store can be dizzying. Which product to choose – a sunscreen or sun block? Is there a difference, or are they interchangeable? 

There are, in fact, somewhat “technical” differences between the two. Sunscreens, also known as chemical blockers, are absorbed into the skin, so they should be applied 10–15 minutes prior to going out in the sun. Sunscreens absorb ultraviolet (UV) light in certain wavelengths. The UVA rays can cause long-term effects and contribute to photoaging and wrinkles. UVB rays are responsible for short-term effects like sunburns. UV light can easily degrade sunscreen, so it’s crucial to reapply every few hours for maximum effectiveness. Avobenzone, oxybenzone, and Mexoryl™ are common ingredients in many chemical blockers these days.

Q: I don’t like the age spots that are starting to appear on my face. What can I do about them? 

A: So-called “age spots” are actually "sun spots.” Patches of uneven pigmentation affect many people and occur because the body distributes either too much or too little melanin (the pigment that creates skin, eye, and hair color) to an area. Uneven pigmentation results in a mottled appearance and can occur at different life stages, regardless of ethnic background or skin color. 

Q: It seems like every time I get a pimple, it turns into a scar. How do I prevent that? 

A: You are right to focus on prevention. The first rule is, as tempting as it might be, don’t pick at your face! Picking at pimples irritates the skin and increases the risk of developing an inflammatory response that leads to scarring. Pay attention to how often you touch your face, consciously and unconsciously. Frequently touching your face can spread more bacteria, increasing the chance of acne scarring. Keep track of that habit and break it!

Q: I never had acne as a teen, but now I have adult acne. What can I do?

A: Adult acne is more common than you may think. Twenty percent of women aged between 25 and 40 are affected by it, so you are not alone. Hormonal imbalances, often a symptom of PMS, are generally at the root of outbreaks, causing overactive sebaceous glands to produce excess oil. Stress can also play a big role in hormonal balance, elevating cortisol levels (the stress hormone) that pave the way for acne eruptions. Certainly, as we approach menopause, significant hormonal swings can prompt acne outbreaks – even if it has been 20 years since you had a pimple.

Q: I have never had a chemical peel and would like to try one, but I am afraid of the thought of acid on my face.

A: Chemical peels can improve and smooth the texture of facial skin by removing damaged outer layers and can be helpful in treating facial blemishes, wrinkles, and uneven pigmentation.  

Q: I have tried many wrinkle creams, but none of them seem to work. Why?

A: There can be many reasons why wrinkle creams don’t seem to work. If you smoke, no cream can undo the damage to your skin. Smoking causes biochemical reactions in the skin that accelerate aging. Stopping smoking is the single most powerful “anti-aging” strategy there is. Aside from that, there could be other factors: